SENATOR Panfilo Lacson on Saturday advised President Rodrigo Duterte to be a good role model for Filipinos beginning this year 2017, saying the Chief Executive can “Google” how to become a real statesman.
“I believe it’s time for the President to become multi-dimensional, not later, but starting New Year’s Day,” said Lacson in a statement.
He said Duterte’s campaign against drug trafficking is already being addressed with more than enough vigor by various law enforcement units, particularly the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Philippine National Police, and the National Bureau of Investigation.
“He can still be the driving force behind the scene,” Lacson said.
The senator said aside from the drug problem in the country, the issue on corruption in government is one area where Duterte can really make a difference, owing to his political will and resoluteness in getting things done.
“Once corruption is eradicated, many great things can happen to our country as a matter of course. He could very well be the best president we’ve ever had if he learns to discard some old habits of a mayor and develop some good traits of a national leader,” Lacson said.
“The bottom line for me is, I want him to succeed because like him and most Filipinos, I also love my country. There may not be a better gift that my and the president’s generation can bequeath to the next generation than a proud Filipino nation worthy of respect from all the other countries in the world. Singapore sans dictatorial rule should serve as a good role model for him to follow,” he added.
Early last month, Lacson criticized the supposed double standard of the administration following Duterte’s admission that he ordered the reinstatement of Supt. Marvin Marcos who was accused of profiting from the illegal drug trade.
“I thought it was an all-out drug war I was supporting. Talk about double standard. Talk about double-speak. Change isn’t coming after all,” he said.
Marcos, along with 17 other police personnel, was involved in the operation that resulted in the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa inside a Leyte provincial jail.
